Can Xi and Trump use their leverage to actually make progress?
When the presidents of the United States and China meet in Washington, the world will be watching to see whether their two countries can make good on their agreement to work towards “constructive strategic stability”. In the fifth part of a series, Fan Chen and Orange Wang look at the negotiating chips and areas where progress might be made. There will be some powerful bargaining chips on the…
Oil prices continued to decline on Wednesday, slipping for the sixth consecutive day. The drop was attributed to signals of diplomatic progress between the U.S. and Iran, as well as improved outlooks for Middle Eastern crude shipments as Saudi Arabia aimed to reopen a crucial export pathway. As of 20:21 ET (00:21 GMT), Brent Oil Futures for November delivery fell 0.8% to $98.45 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures declined 1.1% to $89.55 per barrel, marking a second consecutive day of more than 1% losses.
Brent crude futures had settled below the $100 threshold on Tuesday for the first time since September 8. U.S. President Donald Trump disclosed on Tuesday that U.S. officials engaged in a highly productive three-hour meeting with Iranian representatives in New York, raising hopes for potential negotiations to resolve the conflict and alleviate disruptions at the Strait of Hormuz.
The meeting, the first known direct contact between U.S. and Iranian officials since June, involved Special Envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Reports suggested that Iran might be willing to reopen the Strait of Hormuz if Washington reduces military pressure and lifts its blockade of Iranian ports, though Tehran had not officially confirmed a formal agreement.
The strategic waterway is vital for oil markets, as it carries about one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies prior to the conflict. Recent tanker movements indicate a rise in flows, though shipping risks remain elevated. In addition, Saudi Arabia has recommenced operations at its East-West pipeline, which can transport crude to the Red Sea port of Yanbu and circumvent the Strait of Hormuz.
The pipeline, halted after a drone attack earlier in the month, has a capacity of around 7 million barrels per day. However, repairs to damaged pumping stations may delay a full return to capacity for six to eight weeks.
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